Australia regional carrier Rex Airlines is scrapping its Whyalla to Adelaide regional flights after a row with the local authority.
The feud erupted after the council said it is now passing on the cost of security checks to all airlines at Whyalla Airport.
Rex says it is a ‘devious and underhanded’ move.
Rex said it will now halt the regional flights at the end of June.
Under federal aviation rules, Whyalla Airport is now required to screen all passengers.
However, Rex’ regional aircraft are not required to have security screening for all passengers.
The airport acknowledges this but said it is unworkable and unethical to only pass on the fee to Qantas.
It has imposed the security fee for all airlines.
“This unnecessary and significant cost will result in the route being financially unsustainable,” the airline said.
The fee is $35-$40 per departing passenger.
The local authority says the federal government will now no longer cover security screening costs.
Read Full Story